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Crime & Safety

Murder Trial Begins as Melody Ross Endures Online

Facebook Memorial pages and groups have become an unofficial mourning and friendship ice breaker. place to leave messages for lMelody Ross's memorial page has gain many supporters.

After Melody Ross was gunned down in front of Wilson High School two years ago, her classmate, Dylan Vassberg, decided to create a Facebook Memorial Page as a place for people to reconnect with the teenager’s life even after her death. Vassberg did not expect the page to attract the attention that it did.

Melody Ross’s memorial page has grown from several hundred close family members and friends to more than 3,000 Facebook friends. The page gains the most traffic during special milestones of a teenager’s life, like birthdays, prom, and high school graduation.

Every so often, a new post pops up on the page, which features a photo of the smiling 16-year-old lying on the grass with her legs crossed behind her. Or a photo of her with the caption, "Forever singing a Melody in our hearts."

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“You are truly an amazing person. we miss you Melody,” one person posted on August 6.

“Hey Melody, still thinking of you. You keep me going when times are tough and I am so glad to hear that the trials of the two suspects are still moving forward. Love and strength to you and your family,” posted another.

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Davis will be sentenced September 13 in Long Beach Superior Court where he could receive eight years and four months under juvenile custody. The trial this week for Tom Love Vinson 18, who allegedly fired the gun that killed Melody, is on the charge of murder and four counts of attempted murder. Vinson faces a possible 210 years behind bars if convicted on all charges. 

Melody Ross was shot outside of her school after leaving the homecoming game on October 30, 2009. The police reported a fight between two rival gang members. Ross was caught in the crossfire while she sat on the curb with a friend. One of the suspects, Daivion Davis 17, pleaded no contest last Friday. The trial for today for Tom Love Vinson 18, who allegedly fired the gun that killed Melody, is on the charge of murder and four counts of attempted murder. Vinson faces a possible 210 years behind bars if convicted.

On October 26, 2009, several days before Melody’s murder, Facebook launched an option for memorializing users’ profile pages following their passing. “When someone leaves us, they don’t leave our memories or our social network. To reflect that reality, we created the idea of “memorialized” profiles as a place where people can save and share their memories of those who’ve passed,” said Facebook employee Max Kelly. 

Once a user’s Facebook profile is memorialized, the privacy setting only allows confirmed family and friends the opportunity to access the page. In addition, Facebook removes sensitive information from the page such as contact information and status updates. While the page is a nice reminder of a love one, Facebook memorial pages have gain popularity since the launch.

Memorial pages are not linked with the now deceased’s profile and carry no past postings from the user. Instead, the memorial Facebook page can be started up by family members, friends, and anyone else to honor the passing of their loved ones. With this new option, the page can be altered and monitored by the creators of the page. With a simple “Like” on the page, Facebook users have a place to leave their messages for family members and friends of the deceased to view.

 “Mel, went to graduation and I know you would have been just stunning in those robes and sashes,” said a fellow classmate Brittany White.

“Melody! I miss you! You should watch how Ariel is gonna dance at my debut tomorrow haha. I know you’ll be there in spirit! Love you,” said Gionnette Sanrio.

From time to time, Melody’s older sister Emily Ross writes to her little sister. Comments stretch from a short, “ I miss you,” to comments that shows her longing for Melody, “Happy Thanksgiving Mel, wish you were here to come Black Friday with us =[ miss you so muchhh love you <3.”

These comments are reminders of what Melody has already missed out since her death. Dylan Vassberg sees Melody’s memorial page as a place for people to continue to talk to her. It is a way for her Facebook friends to keep her in tuned with their social network even when she is gone.

Two different memorial pages (at least) are set up by Dylan, who told Patch that he did not know Melody that well.


The facebook group:http://www.facebook.com/groups/167399359367/
The facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/melody-ross-fondation/206008858781?ref=ts

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